Brentford manager Thomas Frank is pleased to have Ivan Toney back in training even as he continues to serve an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting regulations.
The English striker has been out of action since May and will not return to the pitch until January. However, having served four months of the ban, can now resume training and Frank is looking towards having him in the best shape ahead of his return.
“[Toney is] back in training, it’s very good to have him back in,” Frank said in a press conference.
“He’s fully fit – we have four months to focus on getting him ready. It’s different to an injured player we have to do it differently, we want to focus on his development.”
In Toney’s absence, Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo has stepped up, netting seven goals since the ban, including four this season which Frank is pleased with.
“Very impressed with him, he has been very good in the four years,” the Danish tactician continued.
“He is stepping up levels each season and he’s developed so well. He’s a good finisher, arrives in box, links up well and needs to keep going.”
???? Bryan Mbeumo pic.twitter.com/UFtGXDhCrE
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Frank also spoke on Rico Henry who is set to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury and described it as a “big loss” while emphasising on finding a solution to his absence.
“It’s a big loss for us, he’s a key player, mostly I feel for him as he started so well,” he stated.
“In my opinion he would have been close to have been picked for the Euros. We will find a solution. He has already been in the training ground to work on strength.”
Brentford will take on Everton at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday. The Bees sit in 11th spot on the table with six points, winning just once and drawing thrice while suffering one defeat.
